Sunday’s final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier has little riding on it, but both Albania and England will be aiming to finish the calendar year with victory in Tirana on Sunday.
England have already secured their place at next summer’s tournament, becoming the first European team to do so following their 5–0 demolition of Latvia last month. They have won all seven of their qualifiers under Thomas Tuchel, scoring 20 and conceding zero as they’ve swept their opponents aside.
Tuchel’s side are beginning to purr in the build up to the World Cup, the men’s team seeking their first piece of major silverware since lifting the golden trophy aloft in 1966. They will be among the favourites for the crown and will be eager to keep morale high by maintaining their perfect qualification record this weekend.
Albania also have nothing to play for when the Three Lions come to town having already clinched second place in Group K. England’s victory over Serbia on Thursday coupled with their triumph over Andorra secured a play-off place for Sylvinho’s side, who are chasing a first ever World Cup appearance.
Here’s guide to a dead rubber in the Albanian capital.
